This includes enabling them to sit for matric examinations, even if their parents cannot provide documentation.

The move follows complaints from civil society organisations about learners being denied admission due to the absence of identity documents or asylum permits. Basic Education Director-General Martin Zimmerly confirmed that the department is addressing these issues to ensure access to education for all children, irrespective of their parents' status.

Zeenat Sujee, Head of Education Rights at SECTION27 which is a public interest law centre that advocates for access to healthcare services and basic education clarified that this policy is not new. In 2020, a ruling by the Eastern Cape High Court found that preventing undocumented children from attending school was unconstitutional. This led to a circular instructing public schools to enrol all children, regardless of their parents' documentation status.

The recent promulgation of the Basic Education Law Amendment Act on December 20,2024 further enforces this requirement, aligning it with the constitutional rights to basic education and equality.  

While some South Africans may express concerns over overcrowded classrooms, Sujee emphasised that the real issue lies in inadequate school infrastructure and not the enrolment of undocumented learners.

--ChannelAfrica--